ANNUAL CONFERENCE
2026
DATES:
Wednesday 17 June (5pm)
Saturday 21 June (12pm)
LOCATIONS:
Pine Lodge, Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape
Across South Africa, there is no shortage of effort. No shortage of passion. No shortage of people trying to make a difference.
But if we’re honest — too much good work is not translating into lasting impact. This conference is about closing that gap.
The Love Cities Annual Conference is a space for leaders who are serious about moving beyond activity, and building what actually works.
- This is where NGOs, businesses, foundations, academia, and civic leaders come together to:
- Be inspired by real stories of impact
- Be equipped with practical tools that strengthen delivery
- Connect across sectors and cities
- Build capacity within teams and organisations
- Shape a clear, collective pathway forward for South Africa
2026 THEME
AMPLIFY
from Good Work to Real Impact
Moving beyond good intentions toward clear structure, strong systems, and measurable outcomes.
Moving your voice from noise to influence.
Moving your team toward clarity, ownership, and consistent delivery.
Moving hearts in communities from survival to hope and action.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- This is not a passive conference.
- High-impact keynote sessions
- Interactive workshops
- Panel discussions with key voices in community transformation
- Real case studies from across South Africa
- Practical tools you can apply immediately
- Time to build meaningful partnerships
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- NGOs and community transformation organisations
- Business leaders and corporate partners
- Foundations, philanthropists and funders
- Academic institutions
- Government and civic leaders
- If you care about real change, this is for you.
KEY NOTE SPEAKERS
Tommy Deuschle
Faith & Culture Strategist | Movement Builder | Leadership Architect
Tommy Deuschle is a gifted communicator, movement builder, and strategic leader passionate about uniting people around faith, purpose, and cultural transformation. Operating at the intersection of media, church, leadership, and innovation, he develops leaders, shapes healthy team cultures, and pioneers large-scale initiatives that bring faith into public life. With a strength in communication, narrative development, governance, and creative vision, he helps turn ideas into sustainable initiatives that impact communities, cities, and nations
Gaye Evans
Management Consultant | Organisational Development Specialist | Executive Coach
Gaye Evans is a management consultant with over 30 years of experience, working across South Africa, the USA, and Australia. She has supported leading organisations including Mr Price Group, SPAR, Remgro, RCL Foods, ENGEN, Grindrod, Unilever, Toyota, and several NGOs and educational institutions.
She specialises in helping organisations strengthen structure, leadership, and delivery.
Matt Hogarty
CEO & Founder Love Cities SA x Meta Consulting
Matt Hogarty is an entrepreneur, former school principal, and community and faith leader, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Economics) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Senior and FET Phase). Matt is the founder of Love Howick NPC, Love Cities NPC and the former Oasis Preparatory School. He serves as the director and Managing Director of Love Howick, and is the driving force behind this movement for positive change in our community and country.
SNEAK PEAK AT SOME OF OUR 2026 SESSION FOCUS AREAS
1. “Stories of Impact: Provinces in Motion”
- A national showcase of what is working across provinces - real stories, real numbers, real lessons.
2. “Rewriting the Story of Our Cities”
- If we change the story, we change what is possible. This session explores:
- How negative narratives limit progress
- How to build a new story of hope and possibility
- Practical ways to influence communities, media, and leadership
3. “From Passion to Organised Action”
- Turning heart into structure.
- Clarifying roles
- Strengthening teams
- Building confidence and accountability
- Creating onboarding systems that work
4. “Structure and Processes for Success”
- Simple systems that change everything.
- Planning and scheduling
- Follow-up and accountability
- Daily disciplines that improve delivery
5. “Strong Governance, Strong Trust”
- Building organisations that last.
- Effective boards
- Accountability structures
- Practical governance for South African NGOs
BONUS FEATURES:
High-Impact Activities
- Live problem-solving sessions (bring your real challenges)
- City collaboration labs (build solutions together)
- Networking with purpose (structured connection sessions)
- Team reflection and planning blocks
SATURDAY EXPERIENCE
- Saturday morning is about experiencing the city.
- Our Nelson Mandela Bay hosts will take us on a journey through the city, its people, its spaces, its story. You can expect:
- Good food
- Great company
- Real connection
FORMAT:
- Highly interactive.
- Workshop-driven.
- Real, practical, applied learning.
- You won’t just listen, you will :
- Build
- Reflect
- Implement
COSTS
(All prices exclude transport, shuttle to and from venue, additional drinks and food ordered)
Bed & Breakfast
Includes accommodation for 3 nights at conference venue, with hot breakfast daily. Best option as we get to stay together!
R 4 590
Conference Ticket
Includes entry to event, lunches and teas daily, all conference stationery, plus 2 buffet dinners and a food & wine pairing opening night dinner
R 3 390
Exhibitors Hall
Looking to connect your brand to city transformation organizations? Showcase your work, connect with decision-makers, and position your organisation at the centre of real impact in South Africa. Book a booth in our exhibition area to promote your offering.
R 5000 (Business)
R 2000 (NGO)
Title Sponsors
Partner at the highest level to shape the national conversation, amplify your brand, and be seen as a driving force behind real change in our cities
Discuss options with us today!
REGISTER TODAY
